Pasalic signs

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Mario Pasalic from Hajduk Split.

Pasalic is a 19-year-old attack-minded midfielder, who has represented Croatia at Under-21 level and was named in his country’s 30-man provisional World Cup squad.

Upon completing his transfer, Pasalic said: ‘I am very happy because I am now a Chelsea player. I am very impressed by the training ground and I must thank everybody at Hajduk. This is now a new start in my career.

‘I am a central midfielder, my favourite player is Frank Lampard, and so I am very happy to be a Chelsea player.’

The German-born youngster enjoyed a fine first full season in senior football during 2013/14, scoring 11 times in 36 appearances in all competitions and helping his side to third place in the Croatian league. He made his first team debut late in the previous season.

He will join Jose Mourinho’s squad for its first pre-season training session this afternoon.